OSSO FAQs

If you have a question about the volunteer experience, donating to OSSO, or anything else OSSO-related, check out our list of frequently asked questions below. Scroll on down, click the question that applies to you, and read the answer that appears.

Still have questions? Call us Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. MST. If we are not able to answer, we will get back to you as soon as we can. (801) 214-8849 ext. 1.

You can also email us at info@orphanagesupport.org.

+ How do I apply? What is the application process?

Simply fill out the application that applies to you. Once you’ve submitted your application and paid your application fee, we will run a background check and contact all of your references. We will then let you know if you have been accepted and inform you on what to do next.

+ What does it cost? Can I fundraise my fees?

How long you stay will determine how much you pay, so it varies from each volunteer to the next. Check out our breakdown of fees here.

Since we are 501(c)3 certified, you can fundraise as much as you can to cover your costs. All who donate to your volunteer experience will receive a tax receipt if they wish.

+ What immunizations do I need before traveling?

We ask that you are up to date with your immunizations and the CDC regulations. We also suggest getting hepatitis A and B, typhoid fever, and flu shots.

The COVID-19 vaccine and booster shots are no longer required to volunteer, although some orphanages still ask volunteers to wear masks.

+ What is the volunteer work like?

OSSO volunteer work consists of loving and caring for children and youth who live in orphanages. You’re there to give a helping hand to the orphanage workers and to plan daily activities for the children. You will also perform tasks like cleaning, changing diapers, feeding, bathing and dressing, helping with physical therapies, and other basic care tasks. You will likely also have the opportunity to serve in our OSSO-founded orphanage for youth and young adults with disabilities. (Note - Due to COVID-19, some orphanages have limits on which basic care tasks volunteers may currently assist with).

Most importantly, you are there to provide love and emotional support to the children! Children need to recieve love in order to develop properly. While the basic care tasks are important, the love and affection you show the children is what will impact their lives the most.

Many of the orphans we cared for when OSSO was founded over 20 years ago are now adults, and have since told us that because of our volunteers, they knew they were loveable. That knowledge has changed their lives for forever and helped them to lead healthier and happier lives. We encourage you to prioritze showing the children love during your volunteer time.

The work can be demanding but also very rewarding, so come prepared to serve. Learn more here.

+ How can I donate?

Simply click donate at the top of our website and then click the donate button on the next page.

Become a member of The OSSO Village, our monthly giving community.7.

+ What donations do the orphanages need?

The types of donations needed fluctuate often with the needs of the orphanage changing as kids grow or get adopted. The best way to know what is needed is to contact our office by phone (801) 214-8849 or email (info@orphanagesupport.org).

+ Who can volunteer?

Anyone! We welcome individuals, families, couples, and organized groups to volunteer with us.

Our volunteers vary in experience and professions. While experience in childcare, international travel, or other related fields is helpful, no specific experience is required. As long as you come prepared to serve and have a clean background check, you can volunteer.

No matter what stage of life you are in, you can volunteer with OSSO.

+ What should I pack?

Here are suggested packing lists for Ecuador.

+ What activities should I prepare to do with the children?

Be prepared to do many activities with children of all ages and abilities! We have a large supply of games, arts and crafts supplies, and other fun equipment at the volunteer house that you can use for activitities with the kids.

While you don't need to bring your own supplies (unless you want to), we DO strongly recommend that you come to Ecuador prepared with a list of ideas for possible activities. Doing this will help your transition into the volunteer work be much smoother! You'll want to think of a variety of activities geared towards four different ability groups: toddlers, children, teens, and individuals with disabilities (many of whom are wheelchair users). Discover activity ideas on our Pinterest.

+ Do I need a visa?

This depends on the length of time you are staying, and which country you're going to as well.

In Ecuador you only need a visa if you are going to stay over 90 days.

*This is subject to change, as countries rules change. Please look up the country you are going to and check their recent rules and regulations on visas.

+ What do the program fees include?

Food, housing, Wi-Fi, and utilities inside the volunteer house
Transportation to and from airport
Work assignments and activities at orphanages
Weekly volunteer activities and excursions
Scheduled work shifts of direct interaction with the children (35-45+ hrs. weekly)
In-country assistance (Volunteer Directors living on-site with volunteers to aid in training, translations, medical needs, and living accommodations)

+ What do the program fees NOT include?

International Airfare
Application Fee (this is a separate nonrefundable fee of $220, which covers our office work to process your application, call references, and perform a background check)
Passport & Visa Fees
Free time travel & activities
Medical Expenses and Medications
Travel Insurance (required)
Taxis for shopping or sightseeing during free time
Souvenirs

+ Can I attend church services while volunteering with OSSO?

Yes! OSSO is not officially affiliated with any religion; however, we do our best to support volunteers in attending church services of their choice. Volunteers always have Sunday mornings off that can be used to attend church services, if desired. (Volunteers do have shifts at the orphanages on Sunday afternoons).

If you desire to attend a church of any religious denomination, we will do our best to find a local congregation in the city where you are volunteering. Please don't hesitate to ask!

Because OSSO is based in Utah, many of our volunteers are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. We are very familiar with the meeting times and locations for LDS church services.

+ Is Spanish required?

Nope! Although knowing the language is very helpful, it is not required for our volunteers.

The majority of our volunteers do not speak Spanish. There are directors and coordinators who speak English. See our helpful Spanish Study Guide, tailored to vocabulary with children and orphanage workers. For those wanting to practice their Spanish, we recommend the free "Duolingo" app.

+ Is there running water and electricity available?

Yes, and (where needed) purified water is provided.

+ Is there internet service where I'll be staying?

Yes, some volunteers have even said it is better than what they have at home! All of our volunteer housing has Wi-Fi.

+ How do I contact a volunteer while they are serving?

There are many options: Emails, Messenger calls, WhatsApp calls, FaceTime calls, and others. All of our volunteer housing has Wi-Fi.

+ Can I visit my child while they are volunteering?

Yes! We love having parents come to visit volunteers who are serving with OSSO. You will need to fill out an individual application so OSSO can approve you to be on orphanage grounds.

If you plan to stay at OSSO's volunteer house, you will need to pay the program fees associated with your stay. If you plan to stay offsite of OSSO's grounds, you won't need to pay the associated fees, but you still need to fill out an application because anyone who wants to enter the orphanage must be approved by OSSO first.

+ Can I get college credit for volunteering?

Yes, you may earn college credit for your OSSO experience. OSSO welcomes interns! Students from a variety of majors have completed internship and course hours during their service with OSSO. Please complete our internship application.

You can earn two to six credits of upper-division practicum credit in Child and Family Studies through Weber State University (these credits may transfer to other universities). If you are not currently enrolled in Weber State, you will need to contact your university to determine if the credits will transfer. Contact Dr. Schvaneveldt at Weber State for more information at pschvaneveldt@weber.edu.

Ecuador uses the American Dollar!

We recommend you take at least $30 cash with you while traveling. DO NOT bring large amount of cash with you, as this is risky and creates a safety issue.

Once you arrive in country, there are safe and reliable ATMs to withdraw money from. Be sure to contact your bank to let them know you will be traveling or they will block your account and not allow you to withdraw money. Depending on the bank, each time you withdraw money, they usually charge a few dollars.

We strongly recommend bringing small bills as it is difficult to get change in the markets.

+ What is the food like in Ecuador?

You'll love the food in Ecuador! Traditional Ecuadorian food includes empanadas, locro de papa, quinoa, rice and beans, natural fruit juices, hot chocolate made from local cacao, and so much more. For volunteers who are interested in trying traditional food, there will be plenty of opportunities!

Volunteers are responsible to prepare their own breakfast, dinner, and snacks with the food we provide them with. Our Volunteer Directors help coordinate or provide lunches for the volunteers.

Every week, the Volunteer Directors or volunteers go grocery shopping and keep the house stocked with baking and cooking supplies, fresh fruits and vegetables, bread, tortillas, eggs, milk, yogurt, rice, pasta, flour, oatmeal, sugar, etc.

There are also plenty of restaurants with food you're more familiar with (pizza, burgers, pasta, tacos, etc).

+ Is travel insurance required to participate with OSSO?

Yes, you are required to obtain travel insurance prior to arrving in Ecuador to make sure you are covered in case of any unexpected events. You are welcome to choose any travel insurance you'd like, but we've listed a few suggestions below:

+ What can I do in my free time?

There will be down time, time to spend in the city, and time for adventures. Explore your future adventures here.